If times get tough, it’s important to be smart and versatile with what you eat. If you’re a student, if you’re between jobs or just trying to save some money here and there, watching and planning your diet can really add up fast.
If you’re eating out once a day, grabbing meals on your lunch break, snacking through shops, these are all expenses that can be avoided by cooking at home and preparing meals in advance. Recipes that use cost effective ingredients, that make big meals, that will keep you full and satisfied without breaking the bank!
With that in mind, we have collected 50 budget, healthy recipes that can help you save money and lose weight! Tasty, batch, slow cooker and satisfying recipes that will soon be staples in your weekly diet! As always, be sure to save and share all your favourites on social media. Enjoy!
50 Budget Meals That Are Healthy, Cheap And Delicious! Simple As That!
One Pot Pasta With Peas And Bacon
“This one-pot pasta is an easy and healthy pasta dinner that you can get on the table in less than 30 minutes! It’s creamy, hearty and filled with all the flavors of the perfect dinner.”. Recipe: SaltedMint.
3 Ingredient Baked Honey Chicken
“This baked honey chicken is the queen of easy chicken recipes. Imagine crispy pieces of chicken smothered in a honey garlic marinade and simply baked in the oven until tender and juicy.”. Recipe: SaltedMint.
Best Ever Beef Stew
“A cozy, classic beef stew with tender beef, carrots, mushrooms + potatoes. Everyone will love this, especially on those chilly nights!”. Recipe: DamnDelicious.
Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna
“This skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna? Packed with good-for-you veggies, super easy to make, and made with a handful of simple ingredients.” Recipe: PinchOfYum.
Slow Cooker Chicken With Peppers
“Did you get a new Instant Pot for Christmas? Or are you a die-hard fan of the old-school Crock Pot? Either way, you can enjoy this easy Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Chicken with Peppers and Onions for a healthy Italian-inspired dinner!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.
Instant Pot Bolognese
“Now you can make the most EPIC bolognese sauce in just 1 hr rather than 3-4 hrs! So rich, hearty, and chockfull of meat and veggies!”. Recipe: DamnDelicious.
Easy One Pot Bacon Corn Pasta
“This creamy corn pasta is the ultimate one-pot pasta. It’s full of simple pantry ingredients you probably already have meaning it’s an easy pasta recipe that feels perfect for summer. It’s got a touch of cream for indulgence and only takes 30 minutes from beginning to end. Weeknight dinner jackpot!”. Recipe: SaltedMint.
Homemade Vegetable Soup
“This homemade vegetable soup is a healthy vegetarian version of chicken noodle soup that’s way more delicious. It features turmeric and lots of veggies!”. Recipe: ACoupleCooks.
One-Pot Leftover Turkey Soup
“This One-Pot Leftover Turkey Soup is an easy way to use up leftover turkey! It’s low-carb and ready in under 20 minutes!”. Recipe: CastIronKeto.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup With Chicken
“This easy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup with Chicken is ready in just 20 minutes! Loaded with veggies and tender chicken, you’ll love this ultra cheesy and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.”. Recipe: DietHood.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
“Make Life Simple, Instant Pot Lentil Soup is vegan and gluten free and can be made on the stove- top or in an Instant Pot ( with only 12 minutes of pressure cooking time!). Flavorful and healthy, this version is seasoned with Middle Eastern Spices. “. Recipe: FeastingAtHome.
Hearty Lentil Soup
“This lentil soup is thick and hearty, loaded with lentils, vegetables and fresh herbs. A tasty vegan soup recipe that works great for meal prep!”. Recipe: SweetPeasAndSaffron.
1-Pot Pumpkin Black Bean Soup
“Welcome to flavor town. This comforting soup is a fusion of both Thai and Mexican cuisine (two of our absolute loves), requires ingredients you likely have on hand right now, and is made entirely in 1 pot.”. Recipe: MinimalistBaker.
1-Pot Spiced Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
“I’ve always loved Moroccan-inspired dishes. The spices are so comforting and warming. This Moroccan-inspired soup puts some of my favorite spices, like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, to use.”. Recipe: MinimalistBaker.
Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken Stew
“Slow cooker Spanish chicken stew is a cozy meal that brings a little Spanish flair to your dinner table, thanks to roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and a pinch of saffron.”. Recipe: SweetPeasAndSaffron.
Healthy Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken
“Prep your lunch or dinner for the entire week with these Healthy Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Bowls!” Recipe: FitFoodieFinds.
Chinese Chicken Salad
“Okay, now we need to talk about this salad. This CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD! I made this for dinner a few days before my surgery and we just loved it. Shredded carrots, green onion, red cabbage over a bed of romaine lettuce. Then you top it with the most delicious chicken and Chinese dressing. Yummers. It has so much flavor in every bite!” Recipe: LifeInTheLoftHouse.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
“Made right in the crockpot! So hearty, comforting and soothing. Perfect during the cold weather or fighting off a cold!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
5 Ingredient Easy White Chicken Chili
“In addition to only calling for a handful (get it, a handful) of ingredients, this easy white chicken chili recipe also can be made and on the table in just 15 minutes. Definitely a perfect busy weeknight meal, and it also makes great leftovers and can be frozen for later.” Recipe: GimmeSomeOven.
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes
“Crisp-tender chicken cooked low and slow with baby red potatoes for a full meal! So easy and effortless!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
One Pan Lemon Chicken With Butternut Squash And Brussel Sprouts
“An easy peasy one pan meal! And the chicken breasts come out so tender and flavorful!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein
One Pot Chicken Chow Mein from TheRecipeRebel.
One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies
“Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection with potatoes and broccoli. All cooked on a single pan! EASY!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
One Pan Healthy Sausage And Veggies
“Roasted garlic-parmesan veggies with sausage and herbs all made and cooked on one pan. 10 minutes prep, easy clean-up!” Recipe: chelseasmessyapron.com
Healthy Chicken Pesto Kabobs
“No-fuss 4-ingredient kabobs! Can be made ahead of time, baked or grilled so you can make this anytime, anywhere. Easy peasy.” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce
“If you don’t have the time to make a restaurant quality dinner, but you’re craving those flavours, this recipe is for you! Mozzarella Chicken In Tomato Sauce always wins!” Recipe from CafeDelites.
One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls
One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowls from Number-2-Pencil.
Island Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
This healthy dinner comes together in about 20 minutes with just a few simple ingredients! My Island Teriyaki Chicken Skillet is a clean eating meal that’s less than 300 calories — and the whole family loves it! Recipe: TheSeasonedMom. 287 Calories.
A Very Good Split Pea Soup
“Thick and hearty, this split pea soup is filled with the usual mirepoix and medley of spices, plus added cabbage for extra heftiness and flavor. Whether you choose to cook it in your slow cooker or on the stove top, it’s extremely healthy and so easy to make.” Recipe from Simple-Veganista.
Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Chicken
“This SUPER simple slow cooker sweet chili chicken has just 6 ingredients! And this chicken makes a perfect base for so many recipes, including quesadillas, rice bowls and tacos.”. Recipe: SweetPeasAndSaffron.
Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs
“These Greek Lemon Chicken Kebabs are unintentionally the second food-on-a-stick recipe that I’m bringing to you this week and I’m not mad about it. One bite of these and I doubt you’ll be mad about it either.” Recipe: ASaucyKitchen.com
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
“Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry can be assembled ahead and stashed in the freezer for an easy, flavor-packed dinner. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and dump in the slow cooker and you’re ready to go!”. Recipe: SweetPeasAndSaffron.
Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken
“Spice up dinner this week with this Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken. This chicken is finger-licking good and ready in 10 minutes! This Instant Pot Moroccan Chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or for meal prep!” Recipe: FitFoodieFinds.
Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
“Throw all of the ingredients for this Healthy Crockpot Sesame Chicken recipe into your slow cooker and have dinner ready in no time. This healthy crockpot chicken recipe is kid-friendly, gluten-free friendly, and an excellent meal prep chicken recipe.” Recipe: FitFoodieFinds.
Simple Garlicky Green Crock-Pot Chicken And Lentils
“Simple Garlicky Green Crock-Pot Chicken and Lentils! A FLAVORFUL and fresh gluten free crock-pot chicken recipe that’s packed full of fiber, nutrients, and protein. Easy to make in the crock-pot, healthy, and great for ANY time of year. Make it for the family or for weekend meal prep.” Recipe: CotterCrunch.
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili
“Crock Pot Paleo Sweet Potato Chipotle Chili! This beanless chipotle chili recipe is healthy but hearty, with an extra kick of spice! Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge! An easy whole 30 and paleo friendly chili made in the crock pot so you can be ready to serve with little effort.” Recipe: CotterCrunch.
BBQ Crock Pot Lentil Chili
“Crockpot lentil chili is packed with flavor and easy to make. A hearty yet healthy vegan chili made with a few simple ingredients. BBQ spices, sauce, onions, vegetables, and lentils. A quick slow cooker recipe, just dump and go. A fiber and protein rich meal that will feed plenty. Gluten-free and grain free.” Recipe: CotterCrunch.
Crock Pot Orange Chicken
“This Crockpot Orange Chicken is better than take out! It tastes better, is so much healthier, and is ridiculously easy to make. Orange chicken for the win!” Recipe: ShowMeTheYummy.
Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
“This Crockpot Sesame Chicken is a more flavorful, health-i-fied version of a take-out classic! One of my go-to throw and go, quick and easy recipes!’ Recipe: ShowMeTheYummy.
Crock Pot Orange Chicken
“Today’s healthy recipe for sweet, juicy Crockpot Orange Chicken is your easy answer to “What’s for dinner?” Now, can someone pretty please come over and help me choose a color for our kitchen cabinets?” Recipe: WellPlated.
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
“Pull out the bibs, keep your napkin at the ready, and grab the jar of homemade barbecue sauce we made yesterday, because today we are making Crock Pot BBQ Chicken!” Recipe: WellPlated.
Easy Crock Pot Thai Chicken
“This crockpot Thai chicken recipe is perfectly spiced and incredibly tender. The chicken can be used for tacos, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and more” Recipe: TheFitchen.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
“Everyone’s takeout favorite made right in the crockpot! The chicken is SO TENDER and JUICY bursting with so much flavor!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies
“The easiest one pot recipe ever. Simply throw everything in and that’s it! No cooking, no sauteeing. SO EASY!” Recipes: DamnDelicious.
Slow Cooker New England Chicken Chowder
“Creamylicious slow cooker New England chicken chowder is loaded with savory chicken, bacon, and veggie goodness all made in your crockpot for an easy, tasty dinner.” Recipe: LeCremeDeLaCrumb.
Healthy Slow Cooker Chili
“It’s January, which means that many of us are focused on lighter, healthier meals as we recover from the indulgent holiday season. This Healthy Slow Cooker Chili is my family’s favorite easy, weeknight comfort food — and it’s full of lean protein, beans, veggies, and zesty seasonings!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti And Meatballs
“Easy set it and forget it one pot slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs will be your go-to healthy spaghetti recipe! Everything – even the noodles! – are cooked in the crockpot and the flavor is outstanding.” Recipe: LeCremeDeLaCrumb.
Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Stew
“HEARTY AND FLAVORFUL SLOW COOKER BEEF AND POTATO STEW IS CHOCK-FULL OF JUICY, TENDER BEEF AND SAVORY VEGETABLES. LET YOUR CROCKPOT DO THE WORK AND ENJOY THIS TASTY DINNER WITH JUST 10 MINUTES OF PREP!” Recipe: LeCremeDeLaCrumb.
Beef Barbacoa Bowls
“This Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) is so flavorful and slow cooked to perfection made either in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot pressure cooker! It is a great recipe for leftovers, too!”. Recipe: LexisCleanKitchen.
Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken
“One of the easiest, healthiest, and most versatile dinners that you’ll make all year, this Mexican Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Chicken is going to become a staple in your regular meal prep routine! It’s high in protein, it’s low in calories, and it only requires 5 ingredients!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.